Holiday - should I go to Portugal (Albufeira, Algarve)?!?

Question

Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I want to go away this summer, for a week in early June. We've been looking at Albufeira, but some people have told us it's too much like Benidorm and really tacky, whereas others loved it, so we're a bit confused!

Just to give you an idea of what we want:
1. Hot weather (around 27 degrees C maybe)
2. Good beaches
3. Good nightlife and restaurants
4. At least SOME opportunity to see the sights of a more authentic Portugal, away from the resort
5. Activities and day trips, like zoo, tours, theme park, etc
6. Busy but not absolutely rammed
7. Not full of 'rowdy, bald-headed, beer-bellied, trouble-making English tourists' (that's my boyfriend's input....)

So we just wondered if anyone has been there and if it sounds like a) the right destination for us and b) if we're going at the right time of year (in terms of weather and how busy it is)

Thanks so much! :-)

xx Emmie

Answer 1

I'm Portuguese and as a local thsi is my opinion:
Albufeira is too British these days, you even get the menus at restaurant doors written in English. You'll see lots of British, Germans and Dutch in early June. Still I like Albufeira better than the Portimao area (Praia da Rocha and Alvor, mentioned by some) It's architecturally a complete mess. Monte Gordo also mentioned by someone is my fave and that's where I go for long on vacation (I live in Lisbon). It's "more Portuguese" so to speak (but you'll find lots of Spanish there). OK night life isn't so rich as in Albufeira. From Tavira to Vila Real Santo Antonio you get more "real Algarve" than in the Western part. Anyhoo, the whole Algarve isn't that big, you could take a trip and see for yourself.
From every hotel you get bus excursions to lots of places: I'd like to point out the ZOOMARINE, the water fun parks, and even one day trips to Spain. For instance, to Seville. Last year we went on such a trip to the Isla Magica and we loved it (but for the temperature, over 40 C).
You'll like Albufeira, and it's not overcrowded early June.
Enjoy. Have a great vacation!

Answer 2

Thanks for helping us give you a sensible answer, by telling us what you are looking for, rather than a vague "Where is nice?" type of question!

I've been going to the Algarve since 1972, and the place has obviously changed beyond recognition in that time, but I would say that Albufeira ticks all your boxes.

The beaches are among the best in the world (imho) - if you are hiring a car, you can easily get to the quieter and more picturesque ones. There are good ones on either side of Albufeira, but they get flatter as you go further east. The Monte Gordo area is indeed quieter, but the Western half is much prettier. The car will also help you explore inland a bit (Albufeira is not exactly the authentic Portugal!).

There's plenty of coastal boat trips from Albufeira (a 'must-do') and the water slide parks are pretty good. Restaurants are mostly very good, and excellent value, and I found that many now offer a taste of real Portuguese cuisine.

Just make sure that you pronounce it Al-boo-fay-ra and not Al-ber-führer!

Answer 3

First of all yes you should travel to Portugal. It is a nice country. It is all around nice in Portugal in the summer. Albufeira is a fun city, you can experience all of the night life and beach. Sincerely if you two are planning to come to Algarve as a trip it is better to go to the Praia da Rocha. It is more exciting in Rocha. Sadly, Algarve has barely any Portuguese culture because of German and English living in the area. If you want to experience the traditional Portugal I suggest of traveling to the north of Portugal. I personaly live in the Algarve. I am naturally from the north but I like it here. Well in mid summer it is a bit crowded within the Algarve, so it is a bit better to travel in Portugal during the month of June. I wish you two a save journey and a good summer. :)

PS. There are no bald headed drunken trouble making English tourists hehehe

Answer 4

Hi Emmie,

I have been to Albufeira a few times and have really enjoyed it. There are a lot of excursions you can go on for the zoo etc and I don't think it's too much like Benidorm.

However reading the list of things you are looking for have you thought of staying in Praia da Rocha in the Algarve. The beach is one of the best in Europe, plenty of restaurants and trips to zoo, parks etc. It is near to Portimao which is a fishing village and is more authentic Porugal. Costs about 5 euros to get there in a taxi or about 20 mins walk.
Look at staying in the Algarve Mor apartments, very spacious, clean and central place to stay in Praia da Rocha.

Hope you find something.

carol

Answer 5

Hello Emmie

As Carol says: Praia da Rocha is an alternative to Albufeira.

Briefly, Praia da Rocha is the ‘seafront’ to Portimão, the Algarve’s 2nd city (after Faro) which means variety in terms of restaurants, shopping, etc as well as a pretty riverside next to the Arade river. Very near by you have the fishing villages of Ferragudo and Alvor. You can also visit Monchique for a change from the coastal scene.

Check these sites:
Where I stayed for New Years:
http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/photos_beach.html

A list of holiday destinations including Albufeira to choose from:
http://www.portugaltravelguide.com/en/praia_da_rocha.htm

Enjoy the Algarve!

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Holiday - should I go to Portugal (Albufeira, Algarve)?!?
Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I want to go away this summer, for a week in early June. We've been looking at Albufeira, but some people have told us it's too much like Benidorm and really tacky, whereas others loved it, so we're a bit confused!

Just to give you an idea of what we...

Answer 7

Portugal is great for holidays and in June 25c to 28c,but i persnally would not recomend Albufeira,i much prefer Eastern Algarve and Monte Gordo , which is very near the Spanish border Monte Gordo has many miles of lovely beaches,good restaraunts,but not very good night life, except in the bars,There is a disco, and very good shows at the Casino..Mid to end of June is not normally too busy. There are many coach excursions from the resort ,jeep safari trips to see real Portugal,a river trip up the Guiadiana river, Spain on one side and Portugal on the other. Monte gordo is a very safe place to be,and in my experience no rowdy british.
Another resort i would recomend is Lagos towards the western end of Algarve. Monte Gordo is approx 45 mins from Faro Airport.Do have a great holiday where ever you go.H

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Hi Emmie!!! Albufeira, Algarve is really nice girl!! You'll have lots of fun. the best part about the Algarve is tha by renting a car you can easily visit other places and still go back to your hotel at the end of the Day!!!
http://experienceportugal.blogspot.com/
More info on the Algarve here in my blog
Have Fun!!!

Answer 10

Albufeira Weather June